Kenneth O. Burnside

Kenneth O. Burnside, age 84, of Surprise, Arizona passed away on May 17, 2024 in Surprise. Ken was born in Lewistown, Montana, to proud parents Ellen and Oscar Burnside. He was a toddler when his family moved to an irrigated farm at Kinsey, Montana. In 1951, the family moved to Billings, Montana where he eventually attended Billings Senior High. It was as a student there, that he met his life-long friends.

Ken enlisted in the Montana Naval Reserve in 1957 when he was 17 years old, having his father sign permission for him. He received an Honorable Discharge after serving for six years.

While living in Billings, he worked as a clerk and claims adjustor for Consolidated Freightway. Ken had a love of planes and earned his private pilot’s license. This led to his becoming an agent for Frontier Airlines and eventually becoming an Air Traffic Controller. Ken retired from Ash Grove Cement Company as a District Manager in the Northwest area.

He enjoyed his retirement years, filling them with activities such as fly-fishing, golfing with his friends and hiking. The most memorable hike, was hiking the Grand Canyon with friends when he was 74. Most of all, he enjoyed travelling to all 50 States and exploring the wonders and history of each.

Ken was preceded in death by his son, Kevin A. Burnside; his parents, Ellen and Oscar; and brother, Russell Burnside. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Nadean Burnside; son, Brett A. Burnside; his sisters, Adelia (Dee) Zottnick and Evelyn Popelka.

Ken stayed close to his ranching roots his entire life. He was proud to be a family member of Montana Homestead Pioneers and never lost his love for his home state.

Montana Visions

Montana Visions on my mind, deserted buildings of all kind. Abandoned one room schools, discarded cream cans, buckets and tools. Swings still hang from the trees, that once children swung so free.

Worn out merry-go-rounds and giant stride, broken down fence with road on one side.

Montana Visions of past and present time, clear blue skies with lots of sunshine.

With farmers and miners working their claim, some of Montana will never be tamed.

Montana Visions of spring water so clear, so many creeks, rivers and lakes so near.

Valleys, hills and rugged mountains so high. strip farming and grasslands the tourist pass by.

Montana Visions of the present and past, I’ve captured for you with these words at last.

The old, blends with the new, like the sunset's violet hue.